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Listen while you read: "We Give Thee But Thine Own"1 (Lyrics) |
One of my goats developed the ailment called pink eye. This necessitated putting drops into her eye to clear it up. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong! Every medicinal episode developed into a dreaded wrestling match. Even when she was tied tight to the post, I still had to wrestle her up against the wall, pinning her there with my body, hammerlocking her head with my left arm and squirting the drops under her tightly squeezed-shut eye with my right hand. The final treatment was the worst though, as she trampled my feet, twisted my arm, and squashed my hand against the ledge, resulting in the drawing of blood and the pulling of a muscle in my back with her last-ditch effort to escape this obviously, to her, torturous procedure.
When I was back up at the house, busy nursing my wounds, the Holy Spirit spoke to me. He compared what I was willing to put myself through, the lengths that I had gone to, to help this creature receive the healing that she needed, with how willing we must also be in regards to going to the same great lengths and sacrifices to take the healing Word of God to those in need of His truth and salvation. I was so struck by His words that I literally sat down to think about them.
Indeed, how willing have I been? How willing am I to put myself out there to take the healing power of God's Word and His love for mankind to my world? It was a very sobering thought for me, as it might also be for you.
In today's world, Christianity comes under a lot of negative criticism and injustice. To speak out about one's relationship with the living Lord is becoming more difficult, and in some cases, downright scary. None of us wants to be looked down upon, belittled, un-friended, or possibly even injured or killed for our faith. We all have that inner need to be accepted, safe, and liked. And yet, look at what the Scriptures say:
Psalm 112:1,7 – Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. (TLB)
Matthew 28:19-20 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)
Since the Holy Spirit has spoken to me on this matter, I have come to a new peace in regards to being settled in my mind when it comes to carrying the healing Word of God's truth to others. For I know that no matter what results my witness may return, God will not only take care of me amidst it all, but joy shall be mine through obedience.
How about you? Where does your mind settle on this matter?
Prayer: Father God, thank You that our minds can be settled on the truth that You will take care of us as we obediently take Your Word to our friends, neighbours, families, and, indeed, even to the nations. Bless us this day, not with dread but with courage, that our world may receive Your healing. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Simply wonderful Lynne. Blessings.
Another good one Lynne and so true.
Oh the times I have been just like your goat – to my regret.
What a beautiful and provoking analogy. Thank you for sharing and for all your devotionals.
You are a thinker. Thanks for sharing your insights and calling us to go out, even when there’s a cost. You’re a great leader. Thanks.
Thanks for your timely reflection. We need to be courageous in our faith sharing. May the Lord make us faithful in our witness today.
Wow Lynne, you really have your hands full. I didn’t realize goats can get that aggressive! One thing for sure, they make great illustrations for your devotionals. Keep up the good work! Blessings.
Thank you Lynne for yet another meaningful email. I pray your body has healed well…what a battle with your goat.
Take care, Lynne, and I always appreciate your wonderful Devotionals. God bless you.
Amen and Amen, Lynne. Even ministers called by a congregation struggle with criticism from those who just don’t want to hear the Gospel message, but want politically correct speeches, instead of “foolish myths.” They’ve warmed pews as godly men preached, but never truly heard the heart changing message. They leave for home gnawing on “roasted preacher.” So extremely sad.
Good Morning, Lynne,
Your words spoke to my heart today. We live in a small town in rural Central Texas and nearly everyone (note: nearly) everyone belongs to a Christian Church. Consequently, it is hard to realize that even here there is work to be done to bring others to Christ…not always easy. I shall certainly pray on your words. Thank you.
(Texas)
Hi Lynn,
the Christian faith is certainly under a lot of pressure, it seems there aso many people who are not interested and others who were at one time believers who have abandoned their faith. It is indeed hard to bring the gospel to people these days.
But we keep on doing the best we can.
Thank you for writing.
Dear one!
So true what happens when one wrestles with the worldly opposition without Jesus.
One gets punched with insults and ridicule.
But sweet presence of the Lord heals the inner hurting and equips to stand up again and again in the love of Jesus, our Redeemer!
Thanks for such a good illustration of wrestling also in spiritual matters!
Be blessed!
Lynne, great analogy. God bless your continued ministry in writing and in oral word.
Good thought for me today.
Wow, a hard way to hear from God!
That’s usually me and God when I need healing! I’ve got to be pinned up against the fence.
Dear Lynne:
It was such a pleasure reading your devotional. Our Bible Study Group at church was discussing this very topic. We have at our table a missionary home on leave from Egypt right now and she and her husband reach out to the Muslim communities. We discussed how we need to reach OUR own communities with God’s word. We know we don’t have to travel across the globe and that not all of us are meant to do this. I live in an apartment building with only 6 floors and I know that only I go to church. I realize, because of this, that I always have to put my best foot forward when speaking to my neighbours.
God bless you Lynne and keep inspiring us with your words.
Thank you for this. It speaks to the same topic we are discussing in our Bible Study. Have printed it off and will share with them next week.